How am I doing at forgiving?Forgiving is essential to a healthy Christian life, not only spiritually, but physically and mentally as well. Here is a list of physical and mental benefits of forgiving according to the Mayo Clinic. Healthier relationships, greater spiritual and psychological well-being, less anxiety, stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression, stronger immune system, improved heart health, higher self-esteem.Forgiving is not easy. It must come from the heart. Matt 18:35 It can’t be, ”well I’ll just let that go”, and put on a phony smile when I’m in the vicinity of the person I think I have, but really have not, forgiven. Neither is forgiving an option for a Christian. Matt 6:14-15.

The gift of forgiveness that Jesus bought for us cost Him greatly, and left us a perfect example. In the midst of His suffering He prayed for the Father to forgive those who had driven the nails. Luke 23:34 Forgiving will cost us too as we take the time to learn how to do it.

Here are a few more verses to meditate on as we take the month of June asking God to help us to be a forgiving people. Matt 18:15-35Mark 11:12-25 1Cor 6:1-8 2Cor 2:5-11 Col 3:12-14 1John 2:3-11